In the last few years LinkedIn has become more popular and has a growing membership. Apparently, the number of posts on LinkedIn has grown by 41% in the last three years. It’s also slowly changing. Because of this, there’s been talk about whether LinkedIn is more like social media than a platform for professional networking these days.
But what does this mean, and is this a good thing or bad thing? I think change is inevitable, especially for online social platforms. I also think this could be a good thing, while it lasts.
So, Why is LinkedIn More Like Social Media Sites Now?
There are a few reasons that others have mentioned, which I agree with, for this change, such as the changing work environment. The lines between work and personal life have been blurred since the lockdown phase of the pandemic and that has changed how people behave both online and off. But there are other factors besides the changing work environment that have had a hand in why LinkedIn has become more like a social media site.
Transparency and Authenticity Are More Valued Now
I can’t help but think that the move towards transparency and authenticity is a factor in this change everywhere, and users are treating LinkedIn like every other platform. Of course there’s a difference between transparency and oversharing. But people are more open to sharing their true, authentic selves and their audiences are responding.
It’s Being Seen as an Alternative to the Negative Aspects of Other Sites
LinkedIn is more like social media sites now because people are using it like one. They have grown tired of the toxicity and feelings of invisibility on other social platforms. Maybe they feel other platforms have become too performative or saturated, or that there is just too much noise there.
And as popular as short form and videos and endless scrolling seems to be, these aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. People want to feel they can be their authentic selves and they want to see that in those they follow and engage with.
Of course, there are a lot of people that don’t like that users are sharing more personal information and engaging in different ways on LinkedIn now. It’s probably because they fear that what happened to those social media sites will happen to LinkedIn. But I think it could be an opportunity.
Changes Made by LinkedIn Made it Possible to Become More Like Social Media
Whether it was intentional or not, LinkedIn has become more like a social media site because they made changes that allowed it to happen. It’s been a few years since Microsoft purchased the platform in 2016 so they have probably been experimenting with ways to increase revenue.
Because LinkedIn seemed very formal and maybe dull compared to other online platforms where people could spend their time, they are trying to draw in more users.
It definitely seems that they are appealing to younger people, and mimicking the spaces they come from.
I’m not an expert in algorithms or running a social media company, but it makes sense that they’re moving in this direction, as other sites have. But is this for the better? I guess it depends on your perspective.
The Down Sides of LinkedIn Being More Like Social Media
Seeing so many once loved platforms begin to self-destruct in the last few years probably makes you wonder if the same thing will happen here, since Linked in is more like social media now.
Will it reign supreme or will it fall apart like other social media platforms because of these changes? I guess only time will tell. But there are many people who believe this shift in how LinkedIn is being used is creating the very same issues users have with the old platforms they wanted to get away from.
They fear it will become saturated with ads, and filled with self-serving content, and transform into a space where users go to mindlessly scroll and waste their time.
These are valid concerns. But I think because it is in the middle of changing and gaining more users who are there hoping to make authentic connections, these changes may have some advantages.
How Can You Take Advantage of the Fact that LinkedIn is More Like Social Media Now?
I know I’ve been meaning to be more active on LinkedIn because by simply posting there I seem to get more engagement than on other platforms. It’s also an opportunity for me to network with others in my industry and to find out about what’s happening that I may otherwise miss. I have finally started reaching out to connections and I’ve decided to spend time each week actually engaging with my community there. It seems like a good time to take advantage of the fact that LinkedIn is more like social media now. It could be that this platform is in its golden era, like Substack five years ago, or Twitter from 2007-2010 or so.
Though it’s the same site, this shift in usage and influx of new users could mean a chance to find your audience. If you’re already on LinkedIn then you already have connections there and your audience is easier to find.
It may give you the chance to make connections to the right people more easily because everyone is using their real names and their industry and background are highly visible. People want to connect on LinkedIn!
It May Be the ONE Place that Best Serves You!
You may struggle with putting time and energy into social media. I know I do. But since LinkedIn is more like social media now, and everyone else seems to be jumping on the bandwagon of using it that way, why not let it be the one place to let your voice be heard?
We already know that being active and engaged online helps build your platform. This could be your chance to share your expertise and your purpose. And now, more eyes than ever before are on LinkedIn.
Even Though LinkedIn Has Changed, It Now Doesn’t Mean You Can Be Unprofessional
Because LinkedIn is a platform where your real name and your background are exposed, it is a great place to put your best foot forward. As with all social media sites, you can decide what is too personal to share publicly. Though it’s best to still think of it as a professional space and you probably want to engage accordingly.
Just as with your other professional accounts on other social media sites, what you share there will be related to your brand and platform. In other words, things you would share on your personal accounts with friends and family, shouldn’t be the same things you share here, even though LinkedIn is more like social media now. Of course, if it works for you and you love sharing very personal details and people respond well, go for it.
We also have to keep in mind that the things that ruined Facebook and Twitter for many of us could ruin LinkedIn. This is not to criticize LinkedIn, but to remind you that all these platforms are essentially fleeting and since this shift started around three years ago, it may be at its peak.
But because of this, I believe you have a real opportunity here to build your platform. Like all social media sites, it’s about how you use it and what you get out of it that matters. Maybe LinkedIn will be your place?
So, maybe log in and see what people are doing and give some thought to whether you can see yourself thriving there. I know I’m going to give it a shot. Speaking of, if you want to connect with me on LinkedIn, you can do that here. And if you have any thoughts about this topic, go ahead and leave them in the comments!
